2. amps-preamps
  3. 1070906349

Integrated Amp -- $1,500 or less.

I am in the process of downsizing my system. The only thing that I plan to keep is my Tyler Acoustic Taylor Ref. Monitors. I would appreciate suggestions on which integrated amps to audtion in the $1,500 or less category (new or used) to replace my Supratek Chardonnay and Bryston 4BSST (please, no Bryston comments -- I happen to think this was a great match). I realize that I am going to be sacrificing quite a bit as a result of this change, but changing priorities (i.e., WAF) dictate the change. Also, although the Bryston was 300wpc, the Ref. Monitors are pretty easy to drive, so power is not a constraining factor. My next step will be to find a CD player in the $500-$1000 category to match whatever amp I choose, so suggestions for well matched systems are weclome as well.

Thanks.

Tom
boschtb
hifidreams
109 posts
 
I just got a Unison Research Unico a few weeks ago. And it sounds so sweet. The best under $1500 amp I have ever owned, or even heard.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Blue Circle CS Integrated (new)

Used YBA Integre DT.
Or if you do want new, then its smaller cousin the Audio Refinement Complete..
eldragon
707 posts
 
Yba Integre DT, and matching CD for less than 2K.
moonrat
6 posts
 
Denon PMA 2000IVR integrated amp $1,200. Yes, that's what I said too when I first saw it, a Denon? A freind of mine works at a local electronic shop in town and every time I came in I'd check out all the audio gear and was always drawn to the room with the Denon integrated playing along with a Sony 9000es sacd dvd player and set of Infinity speakers . The Krell/ Martin Logan room just sounded sterile and uninvolving in comparison. Finally after 3 months I bought one to try out at home. This integrated amp is built like a battle ship rated at 80 watts a channel of ultra high current (this thing is so conservatively rated its almost false advertising) with separate power supplies. But how does it sound you ask? Glorious! It gives my McCormack DNA.5 Deluxe /Conrad Johnson PV 12AL tubed preamp combo some serious head turning competition and in some ways I even prefer it to the separates. I keep saying, how can this thing be sounding as good as it does, after all its just a Denon and Denon is suppose to sound like cheap Japanese audio right? Well most all of the Denon receivers I've heard do sound terrible but something is totally unDenonlike with this particular piece. It may just be the best bargain out there right now if you're not too embarassed to let your freinds see you own a Denon.:)
listener57
730 posts
 
Aronov LS960i has been a great favorite of mine. A tube integrated amp whose 60 watts per channel yield a wonderful sound which will surprise you, as it has my visiting listeners, over the years. If you do a current search on Audiogon, there is one offered for sale at $1250. The seller's advertisement is a bit over the top, and most owners are actually quite satisfied even with the original manufacturer supplied tube set, but the item is worth a long look. Full range sound is fine, and it brings out the best bass capability of speakers in a completely unexpected way for this used price. I am not related to seller or to manufacturer.
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